Singapore orders Apple and Google to implement safeguards against government impersonation scams on iMessage and Google Messages.
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| Under the Online Criminal Harms Act, Apple and Google must introduce safeguards to block fake government messages and protect the public from scams. Image: CH |
SINGAPORE — November 25, 2025:
Singapore authorities have taken decisive action against a growing wave of messaging scams, issuing orders to Apple and Google to implement safeguards that prevent criminals from impersonating government agencies. The directive, issued under the Online Criminal Harms Act, comes after a notable increase in fraud cases on iMessage and Google Messages, where scammers posed as organisations such as SingPost, the national postal service.
Despite government agencies using a verified SMS registry that ensures only authorised senders can use the “gov.sg” label, the system does not currently extend to iMessage or Google Messages. As a result, messages on these platforms can appear alongside regular SMSes, making it easy for the public to mistake fraudulent communications for legitimate government correspondence.
Singapore’s police highlighted the risk, stating that members of the public may assume messages claiming to be from “gov.sg” on iMessage or Google Messages are authentic. To combat this, the order requires Apple and Google to prevent accounts or group chats from displaying names that spoof “gov.sg” or other government agencies. Companies may also be required to filter such messages out entirely.
The move follows earlier warnings issued to Meta Platforms in September, when authorities indicated that Facebook could face fines for failing to implement stronger anti-impersonation measures, including facial recognition, to curb scams involving government officials.
According to the Ministry of Home Affairs, both Apple and Google have committed to complying with the new regulations. The public has been urged to update their mobile apps to ensure the latest security safeguards are in place, providing an extra layer of protection against impersonation scams.
Singapore’s proactive approach highlights the increasing importance of collaboration between governments and technology companies to secure digital communication channels. By targeting impersonation tactics on major messaging platforms, authorities aim to reduce fraud, protect citizens, and maintain trust in government communications.